Convertible dispenser

ABSTRACT

A system and method for dispensing toilet paper. The system includes a back plate coupled to a cover. An arm base is coupled to an arm, and the arm is coupled to a post. The arm base can rotate relative to the cover. By applying a force the arm rest can unseat and freely rotate. If the user starts with an over-the-top roll configuration the user can rotate the arm to present a behind-the-roll configuration without any need for tools or disassembly.

PRIORITY

The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional No.62/751,956, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system and method for a convertibledispenser.

Description of Related Art

Toilet paper is typically displayed and housed adjacent to a toilet.However, the current system and method for dispensing the toilet paperhas many downsides. Consequently, there is a need for an improved systemand method for dispensing toilet paper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well asa preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, willbe best understood by reference to the following detailed description ofillustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the dispensing device in oneembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a back plate in one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a back-perspective view of a dispensing device in oneembodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the post coupled to a roll in oneembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective of the dispensing device in one embodiment withan arm;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective of the dispensing device in one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the spring channel;

FIG. 8a is a top perspective view of the dispensing device in oneembodiment;

FIG. 8b is a side view of the dispensing device in FIG. 8 a;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the dispensing device in one embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a back-perspective view of the dispensing device in oneembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described withreference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will beidentified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The inventionillustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absenceof any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

Toilet paper dispensers are often stored adjacent to a toilet. Thesehave many disadvantages. First, the toilet paper holder often issupported at both ends. Thus, the user must manipulate two ends toinstall a new roll of toilet paper and remove a spent roll.

Second, there is much angst over which is the correct way to install anew roll of toilet paper. Some people prefer the method wherein the freeend is laid over the top front of the roll, referred to as theover-the-top configuration, whereas others prefer that the free end bebehind and under the roll, referred to as the behind-the-rollconfiguration. The prior art dispensers required significantmanipulation thus when a roll was installed in a certain way, it wasoften left for the remainder of the roll. Consequently, discussed hereinis a system and method which allows for simpler installation andremovable of spent toilet paper rolls.

It should be noted that while one embodiment discusses toilet paperrolls, this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemedlimiting. Any item which is dispensed on a roll can be utilized in thesystem and method discussed herein. This includes paper towels, foil,etc.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the dispensing device in oneembodiment. FIG. 1 shows the dispensing device 100. Not depicted is thepost, which will be discussed in reference to FIG. 4, below.

The dispensing device 100 can comprise virtually any material,including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, rubber, wood, andcombinations thereof.

As shown the dispensing device 100 comprises a cover 101. The optionalcover 101 covers and hides the mechanized features of the dispensingdevice 100. The cover 101 provides an elegant appearance.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a back plate in one embodiment. Asnoted above, the back plate 102 can comprise virtually any material. Inone embodiment the back plate 102 comprises set screws 103 which areused to secure the back plate 102 to the wall. The set screws 103 canalso be used to couple the cover 101 to the back plate 102. Virtuallyany device or method for coupling the dispensing device 100 to a wallcan be utilized.

The back plate 102, as depicted, comprises a flat rear panel. This panelis laid flush against a wall and secured to the wall via the set screws103 or other method. While the panel is depicted as planar, in otherembodiments the panel will comprise a bent or angular section to allowfor installation in corners, for example.

The panel is depicted as being circular. This is for illustrativepurposes only and should not be deemed limiting.

The back plate 102 further comprises an extension 108. In one embodimentthe extension 108 is hollow and comprises a recess. The extension 108houses an optional spring 105. The spring 105 is coupled to a post, notshown in FIG. 2. The spring 105 can provide tension to couple to thepost and lock the post in the desired location.

In another embodiment a tension device such as a separate frictionspring can be used to add friction to the roll and prevent the roll fromaccidentally deploying a fully unrolled roll. Sometimes the free end ispulled too quickly which allows the roll to freely spin, deploying manyundesired lengths of toilet paper. This tension prevents this fromhappening.

Additionally, the dispensing device can further comprise a bearing, orratcheting system, or the like which can supply friction to preventunraveling of the toilet paper roll.

FIG. 3 is a back-perspective view of a dispensing device in oneembodiment. As can be seen, the back plate 102 is coupled to the cover101. The recess is behind the extension 108 and provides real estate forthe spring 105.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the post coupled to a roll in oneembodiment. The post 106 can comprise virtually any shape. In oneembodiment the post is tapered as to have a maximum outer diameter 110.In one embodiment the maximum outer diameter 110 is located at thecenter of the length.

In one embodiment the maximum outer diameter 110 is sized such that itoffers tension against the tube 107 of the roll. Typically toilet paperrolls are rolled around an internal card board roll, the tube 107. Bysizing the maximum outer diameter 110 of the post 106 to be snug againstthe tube 107, the tube 107, and thus the roll, is coupled to the post106 via friction fit.

This snug arrangement keeps the roll in place when the post 106 isremoved from the displacing device 100. This, in combination with thefriction bearing/ratcheting system prevents accidental unraveling of theroll during the transition, installation, or removal of the roll.

The post 106 can comprise virtually any material. As shown, the post hastwo couplers 109 at each end. In one embodiment the couplers 109 areadapted to be coupled to the back plate 102. In one embodiment thecouplers 109 are adapted to be coupled to the spring 105.

In one embodiment only a single couple 109 is coupled to the back plate102. The other opposing coupler 109 is not engaged and is instead a freecoupler. In this fashion, a user can install the roll to a first coupler109 and allow for an over dispensing position. The user can thendecouple the first coupler 109, rotate the post 106, and couple thesecond opposing coupler 109. This will then allow for the underdispensing position.

As noted, in one embodiment coupling and decoupling the post 106 to theback plate 102 requires no additional tools or screws. Further, in onedevice, only a single end of the post needs to be coupled to decoupled.This is an advantage because it allows the post to be quickly coupled ordecoupled, often with a single hand.

In one embodiment the couplers 109 extend beyond the length of the tube107, as depicted. In other embodiments, however, the couplers 109 do notextend beyond the length of the tube 107.

Turning now to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a perspective of the dispensing devicein one embodiment with an arm. In this embodiment the post 106 iscoupled to said cover 101 and the back plate 102 via an arm 118. The arm118 can comprise the same or different materials as the cover 101 andback plate 102.

As shown the arm extends outward from the arm base 116. As depicted thearm 118 includes two ninety degree bends 119 such that the post 106 isparallel with the cover 101. The arm 118 has a middle portion referredto as the separator arm 120 which creates and defines the distancebetween the post 105 and the mounting surface such as the wall. Asdepicted the separator arm 120 is perpendicular to the mounting surface.The separator arm 120, as depicted, is also perpendicular to the post106. As shown, the post 106 is coupled to the arm 118 at one of thebends 110.

In one embodiment, the arm base 116 can rotate relative to the cover101. Thus, in such an embodiment the cover 101 is stationary whereas thearm base 116 can rotate. When the arm base 116 rotates, so too does thearm 118. As can be seen, if the arm 118 is rotated 180 degrees, a topover the roll orientation, for example, will be converted to a behindthe roll orientation. The arm 118 can be coupled to the arm base 116 viaany method or device in the art. In one embodiment the arm 118 iscoupled to the arm base 116 via a pin. In other embodiment the arm base116 and the arm 118 can comprise a single integrally made piece.

In one embodiment the arm base 116 is biased relative to the cover 101.The arm base 116 can be biased via a spring or the like. In oneembodiment the spring is located behind the knob 117. The spring biasesthe arm base 116 into a locked location relative to the cover 101 and/orthe back plate 102. However, once the biased is released, such as bycompressing the spring, the arm base 116 can rotate freely. In oneembodiment releasing the arm base 116 requires an external force appliedinwardly in the direction of the back plate 102. This allows the armbase 116 and the arm 118 to rotate.

In one embodiment there are at least two possible locations where thearm base 116 can lock into position. These positions can be achieved viaany method or device known in the art. In one embodiment the device 100has comprises voids or detents which secure the arm base 116 is adesired location, as will be discussed in more detail below. The armbase 116 can only be removed from these secure locations when anexternal force is applied. In other embodiments the arm base 116 willnot have the voids, but the cover 101 or other coupling material willhave voids which are received by the arm base 116. The voids reflectspecific positions into which the arm base 116 will align. In oneembodiment these two positions coincide with an over the top positionand the roll orientation. In one embodiment these two positions arelocated about 180 degrees from one another.

In another embodiment there are at least three possible locations. Theseinclude the two positions described above as well as one location whichis offset 90 degrees between the two positions. This allows for anupright and vertical dispensing orientation similar to that shown inFIG. 5.

In the embodiments depicted above there are finite possible locationsand orientations of the arm base 116. In the three locations describedabove, in certain embodiments, there are six voids, two voids for eachpossible location. In other embodiments, however, there are infinitepossible locations. In such embodiments there are not voids, butinstead, the arm base 116 is maintained in the desired location by thebiasing mechanism.

The biasing mechanism, such as a spring, can be adjusted depending uponthe desired application. In one embodiment the biasing mechanism issufficiently strong enough to maintain the arm 118 in the desiredlocation, but not stiff enough that significant force is required todisplace the arm base 116.

In one embodiment the force to displace the arm base 116 and allowrotation of the arm 118 relative to the stationary cover 101 can beapplied by pressing inward upon the roll. Thus, if the user sees an overthe top orientation and desires a behind the roll orientation, the usersimply needs to push inward upon the roll, displacing the arm base 116and then rotating the arm 118 180 degrees to the desired location. Thischange in orientation requires no external tools, and requires noassembly or disassembly, and can be completed without removing the rollfrom the holder.

FIG. 5 shows the post 106 as well as three grips 111 which extendoutwardly from the post 106. The grips 111 provide tension on the roll.In one embodiment the grips 111 can be compressed by the roll.

Turning now to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a rear perspective of the dispensingdevice in one embodiment. As can be seen the black plate 102 has severalmount holes 112 which can be secured to a mounting object such as awall. The back plate 102 further includes spikes which grip and secureinto the mounting object.

As depicted the cover 101 comprises a tab 114 which aligns with achannel 113 on the back plate 102. This allows the cover 101 to besecurely coupled to the back plate 102. Set screws 103 can also beutilized, although in the embodiment depicted, no set screws arenecessary. Due to the tab 114 and the channel 113 of the back plate, thecover 101 is maintained in its desired position relative to the backplate 102 even when a torque is applied to the arm 118. The tab 114 ismaintained in its position by the channel 113.

Turning to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the springchannel. In this embodiment a spring channel 115 is used to hold abiasing mechanism such as a spring. This allows the depicted tab 114 topivot and slide relative to the cover 101. This helps aid ininstallation. In one embodiment the cover 101 is simply friction fittedwith the back plate 102 without the need for a set screw. Instead, thetop portion of the cover can be slid on the back plate 102, and then thebottom portion, the portion with the spring channel 115 allows givewhich provides room to receive the bottom portion of the back plate 102into the cover.

It should be noted that while one embodiment has been described whereinthe cover 101 is stationary and the arm base 116 moves relative to thestationary cover 101, this is for illustrative purposes only. In otherembodiments, for example, the back plate 102 is stationary and the cover101 rotates relative to the back plate 102.

FIG. 8a is a top perspective view of the dispensing device in oneembodiment, and FIG. 8b is a side view of the dispensing device in FIG.8a . As can be seen, the post has three grips 111 which extend along thelength of the post. As depicted, each of the grips 111 has a vortexshape meaning they rotate as they extend the length of the post. Thus,the top of the grips 111 are not vertically aligned, or in the samevertical plane, with the bottom. As all three grips 111 are rotated, thepressure they exert on the outer roll is constant along the length. Thisis contrasted with a paint roller, for example, wherein the pressure isincreased at distinct points.

In one embodiment, and as depicted, the grips 111 do not have springs toprovide tension. Instead, the grips 111 and their shape provide thenecessary tension. As depicted the post 106 further includes grip slots103 whereby the ends of the grips 111 can be received by the posts. Thegrip slots 103 also provide space for movement of the grips 111.

Turning to FIG. 8b , as shown the post 106 couples to the arm 116. Asshown, the arm 116 has a portion which extends beyond the bend andcouples to the post 106. This portion is referred to as the post arm125. In one embodiment the post 106 slides down upon and surrounds thepost arm 125. In one embodiment the post arm 125 has threads at itsupper end which are coupled to a nut 127. A snap-on cap 126 covers thenut 127. In this fashion, the post arm 125 is coupled to the post 106.

As shown, within the post 106 is a friction spring 124. The frictionspring 124 rubs and creates tension with the post arm 125. In so doing,the force required to rotate the post 106 is slightly increased. Theprevents unintentional and accidental unraveling of the toilet paperroll, for example. Because some minimal force is required to rotate thepost 106 to dispense paper, the accidental unraveling of an entiretoilet paper roll is reduced. Further, the back force allows a user topull and tear toilet paper with one hand rather than having one handsecure the roll and one hand on the free end of the toilet paper. Thus,the friction spring 124 has many benefits not found in prior art toiletpaper rolls.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the dispensing device in one embodiment.As can be seen, the nut 127 is coupled to the threaded upper portion ofthe post arm 125. In one embodiment the nut 127 is coupled to the post106. The cap 126 has been removed to show the exposed nut 127 and postarm 125. In other embodiments, however, the cap 126 is placed so thatthe nut is not visible.

FIG. 10 is a back-perspective view of the dispensing device in oneembodiment. As discussed, there are many ways in which the arm base 116is rotatable relative to the cover 101. FIG. 10 illustrates one possibleway of implementing this, but this is for illustrative purposes only andshould not be deemed limiting. As shown the arm base 116 is urgedforward relative to the spring 121. Thus, as depicted, the arm base 116is urged downward in the illustration. When the user applies a counteracting force the spring 121 is compressed and the arm base 116 is urgedupward. At this point, the tongue 123 which is coupled to the arm base116 also moves upward and unseats itself from the below seat. While notdepicted, below the tongue 123 is a ring which has a series of stops.The stops have a series of voids or recesses which receive the tongue123 and lock the tongue 123, and thus the arm base 116 into thatlocation. If the device 100 has three possible stops, then the ring willhave three recesses to receive the tongue 123 in the various positions.

As shown, the arm plate 122 is coupled to the arm base 116 such thatwhen the arm base 115 rotates, so too does the arm plate 122. The armplate 122 serves to stabilize and offer support to the arm base 116.

Now that the system has been described a method of converting rollorientations of a dispensing apparatus will be discussed. As noted, thesystem, in one embodiment comprises a back plate coupled to a cove, anarm base coupled to an arm, and the arm coupled to a post. In oneembodiment the arm base can rotate relative to the cover. The methodcomprises beginning at a first orientation. The orientation can beeither a vertical orientation, an over-the-top orientation wherein thetoilet paper free end falls over the roll closer to the user, or thebehind-the-roll orientation wherein the free end falls behind the rollfurther from the user. The user then applies a force either directly tothe arm base or arm or to an item coupled to the arm such as the roll.Thereafter, the arm is rotated to a second orientation. In oneembodiment the arm is rotated 180 degrees. Thus, if the firstorientation is an over-the-top orientation, the second orientation willbe the behind-the-roll orientation. No tools are necessary for thisconversion. Furthermore, the roll does not need to be removed. Instead,a force is applied which allows the arm to rotate.

As noted, the system and method has many advantages. First, it allows aroll to be dispensed using a single post with a single point of contact.This is beneficial because it eases installation. Rather than having twoopposing points of contact, this allows for installation of a singlepost. Because a single post is used, the device can be installed inlocations previously unavailable. Further, because a single post isutilized, the device can be installed in a vertical position which waspreviously unavailable if two points of contact were required. Thevertical installation further decreases the likelihood of accidentalunrolling.

Another benefit, discussed above, is the ability to quickly transitionfrom an over to an under dispensing arrangement. When the user had todecouple both ends, and reinstall, often the user simply waited untilthe roll was empty to make the transition from over to under, or viceversa. Now, however, the transition simply requires decoupling one end.This allows the user to couple and decouple, and transition betweendispensing positions, quickly and easily.

Finally, as noted, due to the spring, bearing, and/or coupling the postto the tube both prevent accidental unwinding of the roll. This reduceswasting of paper and the need to clean up the wasted toilet paper.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for dispensing toilet paper, said systemcomprising: a back plate coupled to a cover; an arm base coupled to anarm; wherein said arm is coupled to a post; wherein said arm base canrotate relative to said cover; wherein said arm comprises a post armwhich couples to said post, wherein a portion of said post arm comprisesthreading, and wherein said post further comprises a nut to couple withsaid threading on said post arm.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein saidarm comprises a separator arm portion with a bend at each end, and apost arm which couples to said post.
 3. The system of claim 2 whereinsaid separator arm portion is perpendicular to said back plate.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein said post further comprises at least threegrips.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein at least three grips comprise avortex shape around a length of said post.
 6. The system of claim 1wherein said post further comprises a friction spring to increaserotational friction.
 7. The system of claim 1 further comprising aspring to bias said arm base.
 8. The system of claim 7 wherein said armbase further comprises a tongue, and wherein said system furthercomprises a component which has at least two voids to receive saidtongue.
 9. The system of claim 7 wherein by applying a force tocounteract said spring, said arm can be rotated relative to said backplate.
 10. The system of claim 9 comprising at least two possiblelocations wherein said arm base can be locked in place.
 11. The systemof claim 10 wherein at least two of said possible locations are located180 degrees from one another.
 12. The system of claim 9 comprising threepossible locations wherein said arm base can be locked in place.
 13. Thesystem of claim 9 wherein said arm can rotate without any externaltools.
 14. The system of claim 9 further comprising a roll of toiletpaper coupled to said post, and wherein a first position comprises anover-the-top roll configuration and wherein a second position comprisesa behind-the-roll configuration, and wherein the two positions can beachieved by rotating the arm.